Complete method procedures for inorganic analyses may be found in the following statement of work: EPA Contract Laboratory Program Statement of Work for Inorganic Superfund Methods Multi-Media, Multi-Concentration ISM02.4 .

Metals by ICP-AES

The method for the analysis of metals in water, soil, wipes, and TCLP/SPLP leachate samples by ICP-AES is based on EPA methods SW-846 6010D and 200.7 (Rev 4.4). Other matrices (e.g., tissues, filters, oils) may be requested by Modified Analyses. The method routinely analyzes for 22 analytes, additional analytes may be requested by Modified Analyses. Most of the analytes are calibrated to quantitation limits from 5.0 - 60 µg/L (0.50 – 6.0 mg/kg). Lower quantitation limits may be requested by Modified Analyses. The method uses an acid digestion of the samples followed by analysis on an Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectrometer instrument.

Metals by ICP-MS

The method for the analysis of metals in water and soil samples by ICP-MS is based on EPA methods SW-846 6020B and 200.8 (Rev 5.5). Other matrices (e.g., tissues, filters, oils) may be requested by Modified Analyses. The method routinely analyzes up to 22 analytes, additional analytes may be requested by Modified Analyses. Most of the analytes are calibrated to quantitation limits from 1.0 - 2.0 µg/L (0.50 – 1.0 mg/kg). Lower quantitation limits may be requested by Modified Analyses. The method uses an acid digestion of the samples followed by analysis on an Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometer instrument.

Mercury

The method for the analysis of mercury in water, soil, and TCLP/SPLP leachate samples by CVAA is based on EPA methods SW-846 7470A and 7471B. Other matrices (e.g., tissues, oils) may be requested by Modified Analyses. Mercury is typically calibrated over a range of 0.2 - 10 µg/L (0.1 – 5.0 mg/kg). Lower quantitation limits may be requested by Modified Analyses. The method uses acid and oxidizing agent digestion of the samples followed by reduction to the metal and analysis of the vapor on an Atomic Absorption instrument.

Cyanide

The method for the analysis of total cyanide in water, soil, and SPLP leachate samples by spectrophotometry is based on EPA method 335.4 and Standard Method 4500-CN E. Other forms of cyanide (weak-acid dissociable, amenable to chlorination) and other matrices (e.g., wastes) may be requested by Modified Analyses. Cyanide is typically calibrated over a range of 10 - 400 µg/L (0.5 – 20 mg/kg). Lower quantitation limits may be requested by Modified Analyses. The method uses midi-distillation or micro-distillation to desorb the cyanide species present followed by colorimetric analysis on a UV/VIS spectrophotometer.

For More Information

Any questions may be directed to the ASB Inorganic Analytical Services contact.